Kennedy Dismisses SNAP Cuts as 5 Million Lose Food Assistance

Speaking at a nutrition event in Florida, Kennedy asserted that those removed from the program were ineligible due to income levels or immigration status. This statement stands in direct opposition to findings from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), which reports that national SNAP enrollment has plummeted to a 17-year low. Policy analysts note that the legislative overhaul, which mandates $190 billion in cuts over the next decade, has introduced layers of bureaucratic hurdles that prevent eligible families from maintaining their coverage.

Experts argue that the administrative burden, compounded by new work reporting requirements, is forcing vulnerable households to rely on food banks or skip meals. Katie Bergh, a policy analyst at CBPP, challenged the Secretary’s assessment, noting that data from 25 states confirms millions of children have been dropped from the rolls despite remaining eligible for support. Critics also point out the contradiction between these cuts and Kennedy’s own "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, which prioritizes nutritional access as a cornerstone of public health. As states prepare for additional cost-sharing mandates next year, researchers warn that the trend of improper denials and benefit delays will likely accelerate.